The Smeg drip filter coffee machine provides the perfect brew to get you through any day and the Smeg espresso coffee machine can be relied on for the café experience at any hour. To consistently operate at the optimal level and deliver the cup of joe you deserve, these appliances need regular basic maintenance. Aside from proper cleaning, descaling is also necessary.

 

Here’s everything you need to know about descaling your Smeg coffee machines.

 

What is descaling?

Descaling is the removal of limescale that accumulates in the tubes and passageways of equipment. 

 

What causes the limescale build-up?

Limescale build-up appears as whitish, chalky deposits composed of calcium and magnesium from water that has evaporated due to an increase in temperature. Hard water is high in these minerals. Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water

 

Why is descaling necessary?

Limescale build-up in your coffee machine can impair the operation of various components and impact the taste of your coffee.

 

How will I know if my Smeg coffee machine requires descaling?

For the Smeg drip filter coffee machine, the light below the digital clock will blink orange.

For the Smeg espresso machine, the steam button icon will blink orange.  

 

Are there other indicators that my coffee machine requires descaling?

For the Smeg drip filter coffee machine, scale build-up may cause coffee to take a long time to be dispensed or to not come out at all. 

For the Smeg espresso machine, a possible sign of scale build-up is when the crema or top froth of the shot of espresso is dark in color and comes out of the spout slowly.

 

Do I need to use a special agent for the descaling process?

Yes. You need to use a descaler, a substance that can safely remove the limescale.

 

What descaler should I use?

We recommend the Nokalk descaling solution which is available at the Smeg Experience Centers. We can also suggest other brands that are compatible with Smeg coffee appliances. 

 

How much descaler should I use?

We recommend 100 ml of descaler for every descaling process. Please exercise caution when handling the descaler because it contains acid which can irritate the eyes and skin.

 

Can I use vinegar solution?

A homemade descaling solution of 1/3 cup of vinegar and 2/3 cup of water is an acceptable alternative but is not as effective and reliable as a chemical descaling solution. 

 

How long does the descaling process take?

Descaling takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the amount of limescale to be removed.

 

How do I descale my Smeg drip filter coffee machine?

Pour water and descaler into the water tank. 

Press the ON/OFF and AUTO START buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds to start the descaling cycle. 

At the end of the cycle, the ON/OFF and AUTO START buttons stop flashing, the display reverts to clock mode and the descaling icon disappears from the display. 

Rinse the drip filter coffee machine by operating it with just water for at least 2 cycles, filling the tank to its maximum limit.

 

How do I descale my Smeg espresso coffee machine?

Fill the water tank with a solution of water and descaler.

Press the ON/OFF switch.

Remove the filter holder and position a container underneath the frothing nozzle.

Wait for the CUP button lights to come on steadily.

Press the STEAM button and hold for 10 seconds until the three buttons flash in sequence.

Turn the steam knob to the upright position.

Press the STEAM button to start descaling.

The descaling cycle will stop when the tank is empty, the orange light will flash.

Remove the water tank, empty it, and rinse it out.  

Fill the tank with water to the maximum level mark and insert it into its housing.

Position an empty container underneath the frothing nozzle and check that the steam knob is in the upright position.

Press the STEAM button again to start the rinse cycle.

When the tank is empty it means that the rinse cycle is finished, and the orange light will turn off.

Turn the steam knob to the sideways position.

 

To descale and rinse the boiler outlet: During the descaling cycle, close the steam knob every so often to make some of the descaling solution come out from the boiler outlet. During the rinse cycle, close the steam knob every so often to rinse off the boiler outlet.

 

How often should I descale my Smeg drip filter coffee machine or Smeg espresso coffee machine?

Between the two Smeg coffee machines, the espresso coffee machine requires more frequent descaling. In general, the frequency depends on the water hardness or amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. The harder the water, the higher the tendency to clog the passageways of the coffee maker, which means the more frequent you need to do descaling.

 

What should I do when the indicator lights continue to blink despite being done descaling?

Ask for assistance from the Smeg service team through info@smegphilippines.com or @smegphilippines on Instagram and @smegph on Facebook.

 

Where can I purchase Smeg coffee machines? 

You can go to the Smeg Experience Center at Park Terraces in Makati or Design Center in Mandaue. You may also shop at www.smegphilippines.com. For inquiries, message the Smeg concierge at sales@smegphilippines.com or @smegphilippines on Instagram and @smegph on Facebook.